Julie Cryer from Jenks Middle School is the 2021-22 District Teacher of the Year!

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Julie Cryer, music teacher at Jenks Middle School and Assistant Band Directory, is the 2021-22 Jenks Public Schools District Teacher of the Year. Cryer was selected from a group of 10 JPS Site Teachers of the Year by a committee of JPS administrators, school board members, and Jenks teachers who previously qualified as finalists for Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year. The surprise announcement was made by Superintendent Dr. Stacey Butterfield in front of Cryer’s students with help of Middle School principals and select administrators from around the district.

“I am completely humbled by this,” Cryer remarked. “Jenks has always been about excellence in every area, so to have the privilege of representing this district and all of the teachers who do so much for our students is really a dream come true.”

A native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Cryer has taught music and band at Jenks for 15 years and has spent 23 years as an educator. In her role as Assistant Band Director, Cryer works with students in grades 6-12 and contributes to all areas of the JPS Trojan Pride program from rehearsals to concerts, marching band competitions, performances, and much more. During her time at JMS, Cryer has forged meaningful relationships with her students through her “Music and Milkshakes” program. She works with students after school to improve their skills and invites students to walk down the street to Braum’s for ice cream and a safe space to talk, laugh, and connect.

“I believe all people regardless of their age or grade really just want to be seen and heard,” explained Cryer. “Middle School students are no different. If I can create a space like that for my students, I know it is so valuable for them and for me too.”

Cryer connected her classroom to the greater community by introducing band students and their families to Night Light Tulsa, a program created to feed and serve Tulsa’s homeless population. Cryer and her students played music outside of local grocery stores for tips and used the money to feed people through the Night Light program. The goal was to pull students out of their comfort zone and help students gain empathy through the experience. In the day-to-day routine of teaching music to middle school students, Cryer knows her purpose goes far beyond notes on a page.

“Being a teacher is the best job because I know I am shaping tomorrow,” stated Cryer. “I know I am having an impact on these kids just like my teachers had on me. No matter what happens in that classroom or what we go through as teachers, the job is worth it. I absolutely love what I do.”

Click below to watch Cryer's reaction and hear what it means to her to receive the honor of being District Teacher of the Year.